What Is Depression?

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and pass within a couple of days. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is a common but serious illness, and most who experience it need treatment to get better.

Many people with a depressive illness never seek treatment. But the vast majority, even those with the most severe depression, can get better with treatment. Intensive research into the illness has resulted in the development of medications, psychotherapies, and other methods to treat people with this disabling disorder.

What are the different forms of depression?

There are several forms of depressive disorders. The most common are major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.

Major depressive disorder, also called major depression, is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once–pleasurable activities. Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally. An episode of major depression may occur only once in a person's lifetime, but more often, it recurs throughout a person's life.

Dysthymic disorder, also called dysthymia, is characterized by long–term (two years or longer) but less severe symptoms that may not disable a person but can prevent one from functioning normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes.

Some forms of depressive disorder exhibit slightly different characteristics than those described above, or they may develop under unique circumstances. However, not all scientists agree on how to characterize and define these forms of depression. They include:

Psychotic depression, which occurs when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations, and delusions.

Postpartum depression, which is diagnosed if a new mother develops a major depressive episode within one month after delivery. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.1

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is characterized by the onset of a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or in combination with light therapy.2

Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is not as common as major depression or dysthymia. Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes-from extreme highs (e.g., mania) to extreme lows (e.g., depression). Visit the NIMH website for more information about bipolar disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

People with depressive illnesses do not all experience the same symptoms. The severity, frequency and duration of symptoms will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness.

Symptoms include:

Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" feelings

Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness

Irritability, restlessness

Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

Fatigue and decreased energy

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

Overeating, or appetite loss

Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

How can I help a friend or relative who is depressed?

If you know someone who is depressed, it affects you too. The first and most important thing you can do to help a friend or relative who has depression is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make an appointment on behalf of your friend or relative and go with him or her to see the doctor. Encourage him or her to stay in treatment, or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after six to eight weeks.

To help a friend or relative:

Offer emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement.

Engage your friend or relative in conversation, and listen carefully.

Never disparage feelings your friend or relative expresses, but point out realities and offer hope.

Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your friend's or relative's therapist or doctor.

Invite your friend or relative out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if he or she declines, but don't push him or her to take on too much too soon. Although diversions and company are needed, too many demands may increase feelings of failure.

Remind your friend or relative that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.

Last year I mentioned that depression was something I suffer with and never have I received so many comments and emails from people who also suffer or people just offering support. It was hard for me to approach the subject- it makes me feel weak and stigmatized- but now I'm glad I did. Just goes to show you that even though you feel like you're alone, you aren't. Which is why we need to talk about this! Maybe one day people will understand instead of just telling you to 'get over it.'

The color for Depression Awareness is green, so wear some green polish! Here are some of my favorites:

Thanks for posting this, I have a close friend dealing with a pretty crippling depression right now, she just got up the courage to tell her boss about it so she could make some much needed changes to her working conditions. I will do a green mani in honour of her courage!

I've got BAD Seasonal Affective Disorder and it's caused by lack of Vitamin D. My doctor recommends I take at least 5000 international units every day (about 5 pills). I take three in the morning and two at night and it really helps.

I live in France and we do not have Depression Awareness here, but I think it's painfully lacking. It's very courageous of you to approach the subject, especially since it hits home. I know it can help people put a name on their condition and seek help, so "green-lacquered"-thumbs up to you.

Thanks for posting this, it's something I've dealt with all my life, and most of the time not very well. I think pretty nails helps a great deal!!! I would like to add Borghese Stellare Notte to the list, for it's aqua angle ;)

Thank you for posting this, I didn't know this was depression awareness month. I just want to let you know that I know exactly what you go through, depression can be crippling and awful, the stigma is bad, particularly when depression can lead to so many other problems too. You're not alone, and you won't be alright? Take care dearie.

Thank you for posting this, Scrangie. I have depression as well, and it is a VERY difficult thing to talk about. But I also realize, like you do, that the only way that will ever stop being the case is if we do talk about it and get it out in the open. I am quite coincidentally sporting lovely green nails today... serendipity, I guess. =)

Thank you so much for this. I suffer from it also, luckily I have two best friends that are really understanding about it(even though they deal with it also, unfortunately). Mom understands too, only because she went through it for several years. However, most people, including my ex, just say "cheer up"(yeah, expected me to go from depressed to cheery in two seconds flat). I used to tell him if it was that easy then I wouldn't be depressed now, would I?

Thanks for this. It is something I deal with and rarely talk about. I wish I had a friend like you. (As an aside, boy, do I HATE getting called "emo" whenever I express anything even remotely resembling an unhappy thought. The recent onslaught of this has made me keep my mouth shut a lot more. I would like the word "emo" to be exiled from the English language!) Love the green polishes too, and there are so many I had never heard of before!

It sucks that more people don't understand what depression is and how disabling it is. It's not as simple as, "Cheer up, be positive, get over it" which I seem to hear a lot from my husband. It gets sooooo annoying because you can't just snap out of it but some people think you can. I plan on wearing pink and green mani/pedi combos all this month!

Thank you for this post. This truly hits home for me, I have suffered minor depression in the past and my loved one also suffering from this. It's been difficult, I don't know how to cope with him, he just pushes me away.

Oh, Scrangie, honey, me too. Bless you for speaking out again about this. And I get to wear my favorite color? Too cool. I am in the midst of an episode right now so this comes at a great time. Thanks for posting this. Please take good care of youself -- there's only one of you!

Good for you for talking about it. I talk about EVERYTHING because I realized, a very long time ago, that I'm rarely alone... but everyone else is too busy feeling alone to realize it's okay to talk.

I suffer from depression too... though it turns out that anxiety is my real achilles heal - but I didn't figure that out till I got on a combo med (Cymbalta... love it... none of that 'resentment' that comes after taking the pills for months on end).

My current topic is lap band... because chronic knee pain led me to having the surgery about a month ago. Turns out toooons of people are interested in it but didn't know who to ask.

I take Effexor for my depression and it works most times. I also have SAD and this week has been nothing but grey days. Feeling down in the dumps all week. Except for last night when I bought 2 bottles of Zulu! That cheered me up immensely. Still carrying through till today. Anyone with any of these symptoms go to the doctor or talk to someone. Take your medication and don't skip any. Feel wonderful sweetie. Have a good weekend. Love all the greens, they are my favorites.

As someone who almost lost the most important person in my life to depression I thank you from the bottom of my heart for insisting on dragging it out into the light of day each year to let people know that it's not something to hide or be ashamed of. Those of you that have idiots in your lives that say 'Cheer up', ask them to go to the doctor with you. Maybe hearing a professional (provided you have a good doctor) explain the actual causes and chemical imbalances behind depression will get it through to them that depression isn't something you just decide not to do. If they won't go, you need to ask yourself if they are someone you really want to spend time with.

I never thanked you last year for posting about depression. It just go to show how stigmatized mental illnesses are when EVERYONE knows about Breast Cancer Awareness month but hardly anyone knows about a depression. They are both debilitating diseases.

I was diagnosed with major depression when I was 12 years old and I've been living with it for exactly half my life now. I'm not sure how I made it through some of the worst times alive, but I'm just glad I did. I always want to stress to people suffering from depression that there is always hope to feel better. It IS possible. I am living proof of that.

Thank you so much for posting this!I'm 15 years old and I have been struggling with depression for a few years now and it's always nice to know that you aren't alone and that there are many people going through the same thing you are.

Thanks for posting this, I was unaware & I'm going to post about it in my blog as well. Depression affects SO many people, but they don't talk about it because of the stigma. That's why it's great to have blogger friends who can relate and don't judge :)

Thanks so much for actually talking about this. So many ignorant people are under the impression that depression is a choice, and it really isn't. I have bi-polar II disorder and it's not something I can typically share, as it's so looked down upon, not to mention often times a PITA to cope with! And love the green shades!:)

Thanx 4 the posting. Depression is common and sometimes is not easy to explain, I wish more people can understand and be there for their loved ones because sometimes that is the only thing people with depression need and that can be a big difference. PS. Luv green nail polish and your blog.Kelly

Thank you so much for this post. It just so happened that I painted my nails (at least half of them) green today. I've been suffering from depression too and it was very frustrating at first as everyone kept telling me to get out more and it will pass. I guess we don't really realise how many people suffer as it's not even taken seriously by many.

Great post. Glad to see someone talking about it. I have gone through it, and unfortunately know someone who recently took their life because of it.Society really needs a better understanding of depression, and ways to help those who go through it.

Holy cow! That's a lot of polish all in one shot! I like the Saturday Night Fever. Thank you for the info on depression. So many people don't acknowledge it or even try to tough it out. It's a terrible thought that some people go through their entire life thinking that what they are feeling is totally normal. Thanks again. I'll be sure to pass this on!

i love the fact that i had on CG - emerald sparkle before you posted this. i have always been prone to bouts of DEEP depression, so i greatly appreciate your posts about awareness month.

depression goes by so unnoticed, and has such a stigma.. there needs to be more funding for PROPER care, not just 'here ya go take these pills'.. i hope more people will wake up to the fact that depression is a serious illness.

Thank you again this year for posting information on this important subject. It doesn't get nearly enough attention. I've been struggling with it for years. And since I suddenly lost my husband two years ago, I can add PTSD to my list.

Thank you for posting this, Scrangie. Depression can be crippling, and it is so important to raise awareness. It is also important for those who feel this way to know they are not alone, and that there are methods for dealing with the depression. It does not just pass on its own, so medications, alternative treatments, and therapy are all necessary for people to manage or alleviate their symptoms. To all those who suffer, don't be afraid to talk about it!

And thank you for the swatches, as always. They all look fabulous on you, particularly the Golden Dragon. :)

I love your blog - you have opened my eyes to the amazing world of nail polish and it is a huge obsession of mine now! I always go to your blog for suggestions and the best advice and swatches!

I have to ask a stupid question though that you may not be able to answer - how do you paint your nails so nicely?? Is it just years of practice? Are their techniques or tools I can buy?? Its really hard for me to paint mine nicely and then the edges get all crummy and I spend forever trying to clean them up, any help or advice you can offer is greatly appreciated!

Also, thanks for posting about depression month - I did not know this existed - I use to suffer greatly, I thankfully do not feel that sort of sadness anymore - but I want to support anyone who does.

So cool of you to promote mental health awareness on your blog. I too suffer from depression. It blows, to say the least. Something that also blows... Trichotillomania (a disorder characterized by compulsive hair pulling). Did you know that the first week of October is also National Trichotillomania Awareness Week?

Thank you so much for posting about Depression Awareness month. Depression seems to be so common, but so misunderstood. I have mild depression, as does my sister, and several of my friends suffer with varying degrees of it. You can't just "get over it" and that seems to make it that much harder to deal with. My family tends to deal with mental illness and depression with pity, and it sure makes a person feel like total crap to be pitied. Bless you for your efforts and on your own journey in life. I am glad green is the chosen color, it's my favorite. And the swatches you posted sure are some beauties! I am in love with all the lime shades and the glitters!

I can honestly say that all of these green polishes are wonderful...Depression is something that is so tabu these days it seems, you are supposed to be happy and joyful all the time... it doesnt work that way... I have been depressed since 2007 and I dont know when it will end... I cant enjoy my life as I used to and I dont want to have fun anymore, well I want to.. but I just cant..I try everyday..Know that I stand by your side through everything... and everyone else who suffer from this disease.. together we can find the strength we need..

Mental Disorders are something people avoid and they really need to be seen and talked about more. So thank-you for posting about such an important issue! I may make a blog post about this too and I'll link my post to yours as yours is so informative and of course your pictures are wonderful! Keep up the good work!

I came across this blog at exactly the right time. I suffer from serious depression and the past week and a half have been rough. Usually in October i deck myself out in pink because of breast cancer awareness, but now that i know this i will proudly be sporting green as well. Tonight was the night that i needed to come across this blog, it has helped me get through one of my worst nights in a long time. Thank you, i know this seems like a personal message, but i just wanted you to know that you have helped.

Thanks for posting about this again this year. I would have never known about it. if not for reading your blog this time last year. I have suffered from depression for years and my mom has over the past few years. It's hard to deal with, but sometimes it helps to know that you're not the only one.

Thanks for all the great green swatches too. It's my favorite color, so I'm glad it's used for Depression Awareness because it makes me happy to wear it on my fingers & toes. Last year I wore different greens for the entire month of October. Don't know if I'll do this same on my fingers this year, but I am going to do my toes. Right now I have OPI's Jade Is The New Black on them and it sure does make me happy.

Thank you for sharing something personal. I think most people have had at least some run in with depression, whether they have realized it or not. I've been depressed myself for a little while after a bad breakup, but I got over it completely. I have a friend, who for a while suffered from a really bad depression, which did somatize. It was very difficult to be her friend at that time, partially because I am an empathetic person, and I found myself getting depressed from being with her. It was also very difficult because I felt completely powerless to do anything, since she didn't listen to my advice (there were several changes she could make to solve some of problems that were causing depression). But apparently she was listening, because after some time she did make those changes on her own, and got over her depression.

Thank you for posting this information. It's very helpful to be able to understand what people who suffer from depression go through as well as how it affects the family as a whole. I love the green nail polishes~here is another one that is really pretty N.Y.C. Big Money Green.

Bless your heart, dear. I've been dealing with bipolar disorder for 9 years (since I was 13) and it can be awkward. I am perfectly comfortable talking about it, because I'm not ashamed of it and I'm well medicated, but sometimes other people act so strange when they find out something is "wrong" with you. And for people who are still struggling to come to terms with their conditions, having someone you trusted enough to talk with treat you differently because of it is the last thing you need.

And how on god's green earth did you get Claire's nail polish to look so good? I swear, all the ones I have would take 14 coats to look like that.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Depression is a serious condition. In addition to the terrible toll that depression can cause it also contributes to alcohol and substance abuse. People feel bad, so they try anything to feel better...I live with Atypical depression. Medication and therapy give me a pretty normal, enjoyable life, but I come to pieces pretty quickly without them.

Thank you for bringing up such an important but often misunderstood topic.Green polish ahoy!!!

Thank goodness, someone finally knows what goes around every October besides Breast Cancer Awareness :) I was so glad to see this, as I also sport green polish throughout October month to show my support, having suffered myself for years.

Would you mind doing a comparison swatch of CND Green Scene vs. Essie Pretty Edgy? They look different in your swatches in separate photos...but I really can't tell bc the lighting may have been different. THANKS!